"There is a fundamental concept in patent law called "the machine or transformation test" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M... This is why all software patents have artfully worded phrases about machines in them. Most of this artful wording is total bullshit, but the lawyers and the patent bar continue to tune it and promulgate it until such time that judges start saying "nope - sorry" (which has started to happen)." - Brad Feld